Above and beyond the heady enchantment of Goa&rsquos much-loved beaches, are the voluptuous curves of its ghats which treasure jewels such as the Museum of Goa (MOG), in Pilerne, Bardez. MOG, also &lsquolove&rsquo in Konkani, embodies its creator, Dr Subodh Kerkar&rsquos soul-deep passion for Goa and the contemporary arts, and its conveyance to people of all ages via a plethora of interactive programs.
Ensconced in a 16,000-square-foot, three-storey structure designed by the famed Goan architect, Dean D&rsquoCruz, the multi-level world of MOG erupted to life in 2015, and has since then been, for the discerning, the perfect place to take a break from Goan sun.
An 11.5 km car-ride from Panaji, which will take you on a visual tour of real Goa, will end at the eye-catching treats that MOG has spread out. The journey is worth taking an immersive turn in MOG&rsquos offering, of Goa&rsquos culture in rich and unique forms and colours, and thick and velvety swathes of information, and interactions.
A quick tour through MOG reintroduces us to the fact that everything important in life, but especially art, is all about the people and their experiences presented in their perspectives. This in turn coaxes us to internalise the art, using our own stories and point of views, and thereby enhancing us, especially with the joy of discovery. This is especially true for the permanent exhibition at MOG, Histories of Goa. Here you can take a peek in to the many layers of histories that make up the state of Goa. It showcases lesser-known facts by way of paintings, sculptures, installations, et al, created by a wide repertoire of artists, who have taken Goa as their muse.
In the space adjoining the main building is the Sculpture Garden. With its larger-than-life sculptures depicting items of daily life in Goa, it is an eye-popping space. It is open to the sky and brimming over with arresting installations which are framed by a backdrop made of plastic bottles, painted in sunny hues.
An all-inclusive space, MOG is replete with year-round exhibitions, as well as temporary ones, workshops for adults and children, art courses, lectures, musical performances, as well as residencies for up-and-coming artists.
On Sundays, you can attend lectures on cinema, or return on a weekday to browse through curated temporary exhibitions on a wide variety of topics about all things Goan. Lose yourself in talks, delivered by highly awarded experts, about historic civilizations across the continents. Or, instead indulge yourself in a session of pottery workshops, and later, in a separate event, learn to garden, with your family in tow.
Once your mind has been satiated, gather your family and head to the outdoor café, which sits in the leafy shade of kokum trees. The café is the latest edition to the MOG, and it serves authentic Konkan fare. While outside food is not allowed inside the MOG, but you can carry your own water. And, plan a return trip, if not for anything else, but to savour the food and with it the wild garden spreading adjacent to the café.
The Information
Best time to be in Goa The winter months of October to March. However, Goa is a year-round destination, and the museum is open through the year, except on Mondays.
Getting to MOG If using private transport, the distance from Panaji to Pilerne Industrial Estate, Bardez, is 11.5 km approximately. There is more than enough street parking available. Some signage, on the route, for MOG will appear only as you get closer to your destination. More than MOG, lookout for the industrial estate. Once inside, you will be directed to MOG.
Luggage room In case you decide to visit with luggage, or raingear, even baby paraphernalia, it will all be store for you FoC.
Photography Both, videography and photography are allowed at the MOG, all they ask you is to tag the museum on your social media.
More
The MOG is available for hire for private events.
Website
https://museumofgoa.com/